🐢 Day 1: Our Wild Welcome to Satang Besar — Sand, Sea, and Surprise Turtles
After months of planning (and several “Are we going to an island yet, Daddy?” interrogations), the day finally arrived. We kicked off our 3-day, 2-night family escape to Satang Besar Island, off the coast of Kuching. For my wife and kids, this was their very first island trip. For me? A return to paradise — plus, I now had two curious kids and one brave wife in tow.
🚤 From Jetty to Jungle Paradise
Our journey began with a boat ride that had just the right amount of "are we gonna tip?" to keep things exciting. As we zipped across the sea, Mount Santubong loomed in the distance, and the turquoise waters sparkled beneath us. It was straight out of a tourism brochure—minus the part where my son asked if the boat had Wi-Fi. 😅
When we finally arrived at Satang Besar, the soft golden sands welcomed us ashore. And so did Letty, this lady is the island's resident caretaker — a quiet legend who’s seen more turtle births than a maternity ward nurse.
🛖 Rustic Charm, Island-Style
Our accommodation? A simple wooden house—no aircon, no TV, no distractions. Just beds, a fan, and the sweet soundtrack of waves and birdsong. It was a refreshing change from city living... at least until the sandflies declared war on my ankles.
🐢 Hands-On with Baby Turtles
The real highlight of the afternoon was visiting the sea turtle hatchery. My daughter Sophia and son Gareth were enchanted. Sophia delicately picked up a hatchling like it was a crown jewel. Gareth tried to name every single one. I tried to look cool while photographing them like a National Geographic intern.
It was their first time seeing baby turtles, and the smiles on their faces were worth every bite from the sandflies.
🪁 Kites, Clear Water & Collected Showers
Next, we embraced island life. We swam in crystal-clear waters, flew kites on the open beach, and played pretend with driftwood spears and treasure hunts. Just when things seemed perfect, it started to rain. And by rain, I mean a full-blown tropical soak.
Most families would hide indoors. We became island survivalists.
The kids giggled their way through puddles, collecting rainwater in bottles for “jungle showers.” My wife took it to the next level, channeling her inner Bear Grylls by catching water with a giant leaf. Who needs plumbing when you have banana trees?
🌙 Night Patrol: Mission Turtle
Now, here’s where the story takes a National Geographic turn.
As the evening drizzled on, we almost called it a night—until Letty gave us “the look”. The “she’s-coming” look.
Rain or not, we grabbed our flashlights and headed to the dark beach. And there, glistening under moonlight and raindrops, was a sea turtle emerging from the surf.
My children were mesmerized. We kept our distance as she dug a nest, laid her eggs, and then rested, tired but graceful. And then—slowly—she turned back toward the sea, dragging herself into the waves, her ancient silhouette disappearing into the dark.
We stood in silence.
Even the sandflies gave us a break.
🦟 Honorable Mention: The Sandflies
A special shoutout to the unofficial welcome committee of Satang Besar—the sandflies. Persistent. Unrelenting. Unapologetic. They came. They bit. They conquered. Next trip, I’m bringing repellent, long pants, and possibly a flame-thrower.
🔖Read the Full Stoy here 🌐
2.Protecting Paradise: Our Family’s Turtle-Friendly Trip to Satang Besar Island Day 2 - Post 2 of 4
3.Protecting Paradise: Our Family’s Turtle-Friendly Trip to Satang Besar Island Day 3 - Post 3 of 4
4.Protecting Paradise: Our Family’s Turtle-Friendly Trip to Satang Besar Island - Accomodation - Sandflies - Post 4 of 4
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